STUCK WITH YOU, ARIANA GRANDE

THREE | ARIANA

Today, I couldn't help but feel a spark of hope that things might finally be shifting between us. After everything that happened yesterday, sharing that easy moment in the kitchen felt like a breakthrough. Y/n and I seemed to find a bit of common ground, and it was so refreshing to see him relaxed and even, dare I say, happy to have me around. It's strange to think how a simple salad could create that kind of bond, but maybe that's all we needed—a reason to let our guards down.

There's still so much about him that I don't know, though, especially now that he's not the kid I once knew. He's grown, with his own thoughts, feelings, and—well, the complicated mess that comes with being almost an adult. Even as I try to get closer, I'm not entirely sure how he sees me. I'm just relieved he seems willing to try, even if he sometimes puts up a front.

It's important to me that we get along. After everything that's happened in my own life, the idea of a stable, friendly connection—someone who might see the real me, beyond the public figure and the past relationship drama—is more valuable than I'd care to admit. With six months ahead of us, we have time to find that common ground and maybe even build a real friendship. Besides, after yesterday, I feel like he's finally open to it, too.

All I know is, I want to make the most of these next few months.

I got up earlier than usual, hoping to catch Y/n before he left for school. As I entered the kitchen, I spotted him munching on cookies at the counter, looking deep in thought. A laugh slipped out, and he jolted, wide-eyed, with a cookie halfway to his mouth.

"Good morning," I greeted, smiling. He greeted me back, still looking caught off guard, cheeks stuffed with cookie. I thought he looked cute in that moment, even if he was startled. Without thinking, I leaned over and wiped a few stray crumbs from the corner of his mouth, watching as a blush crept into his cheeks. Smiling to myself, I went to put the cookie tin away.

"Y/n, cookies this early?" I said over my shoulder. "Not on my watch." I started pulling out sandwich ingredients, wanting to make something more substantial for him. "Here, this'll be better than cookies first thing in the morning," I added, handing him a freshly made sandwich. But as I turned back, I noticed his flustered look had vanished. He was standing there, arms crossed, watching me with a slightly sarcastic tilt to his smile.

"So," he said, voice laced with mock sweetness, "are you looking forward to your hot date today?"

I hesitated, suddenly feeling the sting of guilt. I hadn't even been here two full days, and I was already inviting someone over. Was that what was bothering him?

"C'mon," I said with a sigh, hoping to keep things light. "Don't be like that. I thought we were doing good last night."

He muttered something under his breath that I couldn't quite catch, but it sounded like, "Until you ruined it."

I raised an eyebrow, brushing it off. "Hey, why don't I drive you to school today?" I suggested, trying to brighten his mood. "You had to ride with my friend Courtney yesterday. It'd be a chance for us to catch up a little."

"Nah, I'll wait for the bus," he said quickly, grabbing his backpack and heading for the door before I could offer again.

"Are you sure?" I called after him, but he was already gone, leaving me with a sense of disappointment. Winning him over might be tougher than I thought.

I stood by the window, watching the storm clouds gathering outside over the California skyline. Just as I feared, it started to pour. Realizing he was likely standing at the bus stop in the rain, I grabbed my car keys and ran out to the parking lot. I drove straight to the bus stop, spotting Y/n huddled under the shelter, trying to stay dry.